You could take the argument further and present it to anyone that complains about "things getting a bit tough" and "the cost of living rising" - well get off your backsides and get a better paying job then, it's not rocket science.
If you think life is expensive now, ask yourself....how many better paying jobs have you applied for in the past month? Why haven't you applied for more? Why not contact all the employers in your field or work and ask have they got any vacancies for better paying jobs? Have you asked your current employer for more hours?
If you can't get off your lazy backsides to get a better job then you can't complain about the cost of living. There are opportunities out there it's your own fault if you're too feckless to go for them.